Syagrus coronata
Encyclopedia
The Licuri Palm, Syagrus coronata, is a species
of palm tree that plays an important role in the diets of tropical rainforest animals. It is native to eastern Brazil
, ranging from the southern part of the state of Pernambuco
, into the state of Bahia
, south to the Jequitinhonha River
in the state of Minas Gerais
.
, making up around 95% of their diet. These nuts can grow to be one inch (2.5 cm) in width.
.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of palm tree that plays an important role in the diets of tropical rainforest animals. It is native to eastern Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, ranging from the southern part of the state of Pernambuco
Pernambuco
Pernambuco is a state of Brazil, located in the Northeast region of the country. To the north are the states of Paraíba and Ceará, to the west is Piauí, to the south are Alagoas and Bahia, and to the east is the Atlantic Ocean. There are about of beaches, some of the most beautiful in the...
, into the state of Bahia
Bahia
Bahia is one of the 26 states of Brazil, and is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Atlantic coast. It is the fourth most populous Brazilian state after São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, and the fifth-largest in size...
, south to the Jequitinhonha River
Jequitinhonha River
thumb|Source of the river in [[Serro]]|rightThe Jequitinhonha River is a river that flows mainly through the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Its source lies near Diamantina in the Serra do Espinhaço at an elevation of 1,200 m, after which it flows northward and then east-northeastward across the...
in the state of Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais is one of the 26 states of Brazil, of which it is the second most populous, the third richest, and the fourth largest in area. Minas Gerais is the Brazilian state with the largest number of Presidents of Brazil, the current one, Dilma Rousseff, being one of them. The capital is the...
.
Characteristics
Licuri palms have a sparse amount of evergreen leaves and branches that can sometimes resemble that of a weeping willow. Adult trees can reach heights of 20–30 ft (6-9m) or more. The blooms are bright yellow, and the plants bear fruit for most of the year.Hardiness
The plants are drought-hardy, and cold-tolerant to 25°F (-3.8°C). They are known to be hardy in the U.S. states of California and Florida.Ecological Importance
Licuri palm nuts are the main food source of the Lear's MacawLear's Macaw
The Lear's Macaw , also known as the Indigo Macaw, is a rare Brazilian parrot with a highly restricted range. It is metallic blue with a faint, often barely visible, tinge of green, and a yellow patch of skin at the base of the heavy, black bill. It weighs around 950 g and is 75 cm long...
, making up around 95% of their diet. These nuts can grow to be one inch (2.5 cm) in width.
Threats
The destruction of small seedlings by cattle poses a threat to the plants, primarily through the destruction of concentrated groves. Those groves are vital to the Lear's MacawLear's Macaw
The Lear's Macaw , also known as the Indigo Macaw, is a rare Brazilian parrot with a highly restricted range. It is metallic blue with a faint, often barely visible, tinge of green, and a yellow patch of skin at the base of the heavy, black bill. It weighs around 950 g and is 75 cm long...
.